The early completion announced recently of the new Manukau Harbour Bridge currently under construction creates a great opportunity to bring forward other long-planned road improvements on the main route between central Auckland and Auckland International Airport.

A project to remove a major congestion bottleneck and accident black spot on the main route between Auckland Airport and the central City at the George Bolt Drive – Kirkbride Road intersection has been proposed by the New Zealand Transport Agency for some time, but is currently not due to start until 2014.

However, the expected completion of the Manukau Harbour Crossing in August, six months early, will release a trained work force which could make an immediate start on the Kirkbride project, said Auckland Business Form chairman, Michael Barnett.

Around 80,000 vehicles use the intersection every day, and this is expected to increase dramatically during the period of the Rugby World Cup in September next year.

"With around 70,000 additional visitors expected in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup, many arriving and departing from Auckland Airport, it makes sense to bring forward the intersection upgrade to help ease the expected traffic congestion on roads between the Airport and central Auckland."

Removing the Kirkbride intersection will also allow bus priority lanes to the Airport that are part of the Manukau Harbour Crossing to be extended, noted Mr Barnett.

"Bringing the project forward will not only provide work continuity and help improve traffic flow earlier but save money in the long run through avoiding cost escalation impacts, making the project a worthwhile 'value for money' legacy proposition" concluded Mr Barnett.